Kristen De Pasquale claims her toddler son Michael strangled the baby, but the medical examiner says he wouldn't have had the strength.
A Florida mom has been charged with murder in connection with the death of her 1-year-old daughter, who police say was found with Halloween lights wrapped around her neck.
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Kristen De Pasquale called 911 Thursday, claiming her 2-year-old son, Michael, choked his infant sister to death with the string of lights.
The 27-year-old mom told the 911 dispatcher: “I was taking a shower and my kids were out here playing and I came out and her like, I have the Halloween lights and it was wrapped around her neck. I was gone for two seconds!”
De Pasquale said she desperately tried to revive the child.
Police say their suspicions were because the shower floor and towels were dry, indicating she was not in the shower when baby Mia was strangled.
In addition, the medical examiner in Orlando said a toddler like Michael does not have the physical strength to strangle his baby sister.
The accused mom looked dazed when she appeared in court Monday. She said only a single word.
The judge asked her: “Do you have any questions about your appearance here today?”
“No,” she replied.
The shocked judge said: “No? Gook luck, Ma'am. I feel for you.”
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De Pasquale was held without bail.
Her attorney, Tim Caudill, would not comment on whether she was innocent or guilty.
"This is a terrible tragedy for everyone involved," Caudill told the Orlando Sentinel. "She's very upset. She lost a child, a child she loved very much."
Michael was placed in the custody of a family member. The father of the children is currently serving time in prison on unrelated charges.
